Wolves, the shy, wild brethren of man's best friend, sometimes need a helping human hand, too.

That's what the nonprofit Shy Wolf Sanctuary provides on a lush property east of Naples in Golden Gate. More than 50 animals-half of them wolves-wander the premises nurtured by Nancy Smith, the sanctuary's president, and her volunteers.

Metal fences give the retiring animals space from the curious gaze of visitors, a limited number of whom Smith allows to tour the facility each day. The sanctuary offers a glimpse of purebred wolves and close encounters with a wolf-dog mix, a fox-dog mix and a coyote-dog mix, all of which wander freely among visitors dispensing affectionate licks.

The animals under Smith's care have been abandoned, abused or injured. In many cases, they were purchased as babies by people who thought they'd make good pets, then tired of them.

The wolves share the sanctuary with foxes, prairie dogs, a jaguar-leopard mix, coyotes, cougars, ferrets and a gopher tortoise called Sara. As visitors walk along the path between the wolves' cages, some of the inhabitants move up toward the fence to watch the people, while others romp unconcerned about who's watching.

While there's no admission charge, the suggested donation is $5 per adult-this pays for the close to 500 pounds of raw chicken and cases of dog food the residents chew through in a week.

Shy Wolf Sanctuary in Golden Gate is open daily by appointment. Call 455-1698 or visit www.shywolfsanctuary.org.